According to the People’s Liberation Army Navy, it’s the
first time the carrier has left its home-port for such exercises since
it anchored there in February. Previous tests and training drills involving
the Liaoning and its crew members were conducted IN port.

Activities during the sea trials will include practicing take-offs
and landings for the carrier’s aircraft.

Currently, China
operates one aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, which was refitted based
on an unfinished Russian-made carrier and delivered to the Navy on Sept.
25, 2012.

The carrier's original design allows it to carry about 30 fixed-wing
aircraft.

The Liaoning has conducted successful take-off and landing tests of
its carrier-borne J-15 fighters, the main strike force of China's carrier
group.